Child Protection Policy NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS) QUALITY AREA 2: CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND SAFETY 2.2 Safety Each child is respected. 2.2.1 Supervision At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard. I 2.2.2 Incident and Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in emergency consultation with relevant authorities, practiced and implemented. management 2.2.3 Child Protection Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect. EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES NATIONAL REGULATIONSEDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES NATIONAL REGULATIONS 84 Awareness of child protection law 86 Notification to parents of incident, injury, trauma and illness 87 Incident, injury, trauma and illness record 147 Staff records 155 Interactions with children I 168 Education and care service must have policies and procedures 175 Prescribed information to be notified to Regulatory Authority 176 Time to notify certain information to Regulatory Authority S162 (A) Persons in day-to-day charge and nominated supervisors to have child protection training S165 Offence to inadequately supervise children$165 Offence to inadequately supervise children S167 Offence relating to protection of children from harm and hazard Scope All educators and staff at our service take seriously their responsibility to protect children from any type of abuse and are aware of their roles and responsibilities regarding child protection. While we understand there are legislative obligations we must follow, we believe it is also our responsibility as educators to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, and to provide the children at our service with the opportunity to develop to their full potential free from any form of harm and abuse. We will implement a child protection risk management strategy to ensure the safety of children is paramount and the service will always act quickly in the best interests of a child. Our Service believes that: I Children are capable of the same range of emotions as adults. Children's emotions are real and need to be accepted by adults. . A reaction given to a child from an adult in a child's early stages of emotional development can be positive or detrimental depending on the adult's behaviour. . Children, who preserve, enhance and better understand their body's response to an emotion, are more able to predict the outcome from a situation and evade them or ask for help.Understanding Definitions Maltreatment refers to non-accidental behaviour towards another person, which is outside the norms of conduct and entails a substantial risk of causing physical or emotional harm. Behaviours may be intentional or unintentional and include acts of omission and commission. Specifically abuse refers to acts of commission and neglect acts of omission. Note that in practice the terms child abuse and child neglect are used more frequently than the term child maltreatment Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) refers to circumstances causing concern for the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child or young person present to a significant extent. This means it is sufficiently serious to warrant a response by a statutory authority irrespective of the family's consent. What is significant is not minor or trivial and may reasonably be expected to produce a substantial and demonstrably adverse impact on the child's or young person's safety, welfare, or wellbeing. In the case of an unborn child, what is significant is not minor or trivial and may reasonably be expected to produce a substantial and demonstrably adverse impact on the child. Reasonable grounds refer to the need to have an objective basis for suspecting that a child may be at risk of abuse and neglect based on: First hand observation of the child or family What the child, parent or other person has disclosed What can reasonably be indirect based on observation, professional training and/ or experience . NOTE: Reporters are not required to prove that abuse has occurred. Mandatory Reporting is the legislative requirement for selected classes of people to report suspected child abuseMandatory Reporting is the legislative requirement for selected classes of people to report suspected child abuse and neglect to government authorities. In NSW, mandatory reporting is regulated by the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (The Care Act). More Information To ensure all team members understand the term "risk of significant harm" a current fact sheet is attached below. This fact sheet, has been provided by NSW Government Keep Them Safe website, http://www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au/resources/factsheets and was retrieved April 14th 2016 Who is a Mandatory Reporter? As described in the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, a mandatory reporter is anybody who delivers the following services to children as part of their paid or professional work: Health care (e.g. doctors, nurses, dentists, and other health workers). . Welfare (e.g. psychologists, social workers, and youth workers). . Education (e.g. educator, teachers, principals, directors). Children's services (e.g. child care workers, family day carers, and home-based carers). Residential services (e.g. refuge workers, community housing providers). Law enforcement (e.g. police).Mandatory Reporters Role As Mandatory Reporters staff members need to be able to identify physical and behavioral indicators that a child may display, if they are at risk of significant harm. Reportable conduct can occur when a child's rights have been threatened by anyone, whether they are adults or children. According to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 mandated reporters (including people employed in children's services and unpaid managers of these services) must make reports if they suspect on reasonable grounds a child is at risk of significant harm because: the child's basic physical or psychological needs are not being met or are at risk of not being met the parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for the child to receive necessary medical care . the parents or other caregivers have not arranged and are unable or unwilling to arrange for a school age child to receive an education the child has been, or is at risk of being physically or sexually abused or ill-treated the child is living in a household where there have been incidents of domestic violence and they are at risk of serious physical or psychological harm . the parent's or other caregiver's behaviour means the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering serious psychological harm Mandatory Reporters Guide (Childstory Reporter Community) If a child is at immediate risk and police or medical assistance is required, educators/staff must contact emergency services immediately on 000 a child orIf a child is at immediate risk and police or medical assistance is required, educators/staff must contact emergency services immediately on 000 Mandatory reporters in NSW should use the Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) if they have concerns that a child or young person is at risk of being neglected or physically, sexually or emotionally abused. The MRG assists in providing mandatory reporters with the most appropriate reporting decision. It is not designed to determine whether the matter constitutes risk of significant harm (ROSH). This is done at the Child Protection Helpline through the Screening and Response Priority (SCRPT) tool. The MRG supports mandatory reporters to: . determine whether a report to the Child Protection Helpline is needed for concerns about possible abuse or neglect of a child (including unborn) or young person . identify alternative ways to support vulnerable children, young people and their families where a mandatory reporter's response is better served outside the statutory child protection system It is recommended that mandatory reporters complete the MRG on each occasion they have risk concerns, regardless of their level of experience or expertise. Each circumstance is different, and every child and young person is unique. Helpline caseworkers will make determinations on reports received from mandatory reporters using SCRIPT in conjunction with additional information which may not be available to mandatory reporters. For more information on Child Story Reporter, refer to: https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s. For more information on Child Story Reporter, refer to: https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s . To access the Online Mandatory Reporters Guide (MRG) visit: http://www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au/reporting_concerns/mandatory_reporter guide Legislative Changes In October 2016, the NSW Government introduced reforms to strengthen the regulatory powers of the Office of the Children's Guardian. New amendments also tightened provisions for appealing against decisions to bar unsuitable Working with Children Check applicants from working with children. Also, under the Working with Children Check, it is now an offence to make a false or misleading statement, punishable by a maximum penalty of $550. These changes are included in the Child Protection (Working with Children) and Other Child Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2016, making amendments to the following Acts: Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 . Teaching Service Act 1980 . Education (School Administrative and Support Staff) Act 1987 Amendments to the Teaching and Education Staff Acts provide for suspension from duty (instead of dismissal) for a person who's 'Working with Children Check' is canceled because of a pending charge for a serious offense under the Working with Children legislation. In children's employment, the amendments give the Office of the Children's Guardian new powers to enter and inspect premises where they reasonably suspect a person is illegally employing a child, as well as the ability to serveIn children's employment, the amendments give the Office of the Children's Guardian new powers to enter and inspect premises where they reasonably suspect a person is illegally employing a child, as well as the ability to serve on-the-spot penalty notices for breaches of children's employment legislation. Implementation Our Service strongly opposes any type of abuse against a child and endorses high quality practices in relation to protecting children. Educators have an important role to support children and young people and to identify concerns that may jeopardise their safety, welfare, or wellbeing. To ensure best practice, all educators will attend approved Child Protection training certified by a registered training organisation. Educators will continue to maintain current knowledge of child protection and Mandatory Reporter requirements by completing Child Protection Awareness Training every 12-24 months or as required. Management/Nominated Supervisor will ensure: I . The Nominated Supervisor of the Service and any responsible person in day-to-day charge (RPOD) of the Service have successfully completed a course in child protection approved by the Regulatory Authority. . All employees and volunteers are: Clear about their roles and responsibilities regarding child protection. Aware of their requirements to immediately report cases where they believe a child is at risk of significant. The Nominated Supervisor of the Service and any responsible person in day-to-day charge (RPOD) of the Service have successfully completed a course in child protection approved by the Regulatory Authority. . All employees and volunteers are: Clear about their roles and responsibilities regarding child protection. Aware of their requirements to immediately report cases where they believe a child is at risk of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline. Aware of the indicators showing a child may be at risk of harm or significant risk of harm. . To provide up to date training and development for all educators, staff and volunteers in child protection (team members may be required to pay for their own training and refresher courses) . To provide educators with a reporting procedure and professional standards to safeguard children and protect the integrity of educators, staff and volunteers. To validate a Working with Children Check for all educators, staff and volunteers unless the person meets the criteria for exemption from a WWCC. See exemption factsheet at http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check/apply To provide access to relevant acts, regulations, standards and other resources to help educators, staff and volunteers meet their obligations. Records of abuse or suspected abuse are kept in line with our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy. . To notify the Office of the Children's Guardian within 30 days of becoming aware of any allegations and convictions for abuse or neglect of a child made against an employee or volunteer and ensure they are investigated, and appropriate action taken. I To notify the Commission for Children and Young People of details of employees against whom relevant disciplinary proceedings have been completed or people whose employment has been rejected because of a risk identified in employment screening processes. . To notify the regulatory authority (within 7 days) of any incident where you reasonably believe that physical and/or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service To notify the regulatory authority (within 7 days) of any allegation that sexual or physical abuse of a child has rred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service.and/or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service To notify the regulatory authority (within 7 days) of any allegation that sexual or physical abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service. Team Members and Volunteers will: Be able to recognise indicators of abuse (see Appendix A attached to this Policy) Keep their approved child protection training up to date (recommended to update annually or as requirements/regulations/laws etc. change or are updated) Respect what a child discloses, taking it seriously and follow up their concerns Never promise to "keep it a secret". If necessary, tell the child that they will only tell people who they trust that can help keep them safe . Comprehend they are mandatory reporters under the legislation and report any situation where they believe on reasonable grounds a child is at risk of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (available 24 hours/7 days a week). Educators, staff members and volunteers should make the report with the assistance or support of the Nominated Supervisor. Be able to use the Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG)which is available at https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s/mrg I Be able to contact Child Wellbeing Units (CWUs) which also help mandatory reporters identify the level of risk to a child and whether to report the risk to the Child Protection Helpline . Contact the police on 000 if there is an immediate danger to a child and intervene instantly if it is safe to do so. Associate families with referral agencies where concerns of harm do not meet the threshold of significant harm. These services may be located through CWU (Child Wellbeing Units) or/and FRS (Family Referral Services) at http://www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au. Family consent will be sought before making referrals. Promote the welfare, safety and wellbeing of children at the Service. Prepare precise records recording exactly what happened, conversations that took place and what you observed to contribute to the investigations of abuse or suspected abuse by the Child Protection Helpline or dealings with referral agencies. Team members are required to print and keep any documentation (in a secure file) made using the MRG even if the decision is to not make a report . Understand that allegations of abuse or suspected abuse against them are treated in the same way as allegations of abuse against other people Accusations Against Service Personnel Accusations of abuse or suspected abuse against educators, staff members, and volunteers, the Nominated Supervisor or Approved Provider are treated in the same way as allegations against other people. Reports will be made to the Child Protection Helpline where a child is at risk of significant abuse by a person at the Service. If the Nominated Supervisor is involved in the abuse, then the Approved Provider or most senior educator will assist in notifying the Child Protection Helpline. The Nominated Supervisor will protect the identity of educators/staff members against whom unsubstantiated complaints have been made. The Nominated Supervisor will review the person's duties, and if they continue to interact with children, ensure they are appropriately and closely supervised at all times or may seek legal advice about restricting that person's work activities (including standing down the team members duties immediately). If a team member is stood down during an investigation all stakeholders may be told the team member is on leave during their absence.No discussion is to be held between team members about the allegations- the appropriate authority and/or Service Management will do any interviewing or discussions with other staff. This ensures the matter can be investigated without prior/shared knowledge and contamination of evidence. An Approved Provider must be informed as soon as an allegation or suspicion occurs to help/support and guide the Nominated Supervisor or Team Member in making a report. If a Nominated Supervisor cannot be contacted the report must be made in their absence. Team Members should continue attempting to notify an Approved Provider after the notification is made. Note: Staff members are not legally required to notify the Nominated Supervisor or Approved Provider before notification, but to work as a team is best practice and will result in the best outcome for the child. Documenting A Suspicion of Harm/Abuse If educators have concerns about the safety of a child, they will: Use the Services Suspected Child at Risk/Disclosure Form (Attached to this Policy) Record their concerns in a non-judgmental, impersonal and accurate manner as soon as possible. . Write down 'word for word' what was said if a disclosure was made . Record their own observations as well as precise details of any discussion with a parent (who may for example explain a noticeable mark on a child). Not endeavor to conduct their own investigation. Document as soon as possible so the details are accurately apprehended including: . Time, date and place of the suspicion. Full details of the suspected abuse . Date of report and signature . A copy of the MRG print-out if/when completed The child should then have an individual, confidential and secure book/file made up for them (if they do not already have one) so educators can add to it when necessary. This file is to be accessed by Team Members only and unknown to parents/families. I Documenting A Disclosure A disclosure of harm emerges when someone, including a child, tells you about harm that has happened or is likely to happen. When a child discloses that he or she has been abused, it is an opportunity for an adult to provide immediate support and comfort and to assist in protecting the child from the abuse. It is also a chance to help the child connect to professional services that can keep them safe, provide support and facilitate their recovery from trauma. Disclosure is about seeking support and your response can have a great impact on the child or young person's ability to seek further help and recover from the trauma. Disclosures of harm may start with: -I think I saw... -Somebody told me that... -Just think you should know... -I'm not sure what I want you to do, but...When receiving a disclosure of harm, the Service will: Remain calm and find a private place to talk . Not promise to keep a secret . Tell the child/person they have done the right thing in revealing the information but that they'll need to tell someone who can help keep the child safe . Only ask enough open-ended questions to confirm the need to report the matter because probing questions could cause distress, confusion and interfere with any later enquiries Not use leading questions Not attempt to conduct their own investigation or mediate an outcome between the parties involved. . Document as soon as possible so the details are accurately captured including: Time, date and place of the disclosure 'Word for word what happened and what was said, including anything they said and any actions that have been taken Date of report and signature. I A copy of the MRG print-out Notifications of abuse The person making a notification of abuse or suspected abuse will make a record of the answers to the following: Give the child or young person your full attention. Maintain a calm appearance. . Don't be afraid of saying the 'wrong' thing. Reassure the child or young person it is right toNotifications of abuse The person making a notification of abuse or suspected abuse will make a record of the answers to the following: . Give the child or young person your full attention. Maintain a calm appearance. Don't be afraid of saying the 'wrong' thing. Reassure the child or young person it is right to tell. Accepting the child or young person will disclose only what is comfortable and recognise the bravery/strength of the child for talking about something that is difficult. H Let the child or young person take his or her time. Let the child or young person use his or her own words. Don't make promises you can't keep. Tell the child or young person what you plan to do next. Do not confront the perpetrator. . Get support from another educator and the Nominated SupervisorConfidentiality It is important that any notification remains confidential, as it is vitally important to remember that no confirmation of any allegation can be made until the matter is investigated. The individual who makes the complaint should not inform the person they have made the complaint about. This ensures the matter can be investigated without prior knowledge and contamination of evidence. Protection for reporters Reports made to Community Services are kept confidential. However, a law enforcement agency may access the identity of the reporter if this is needed in connection with the investigation of an alleged serious offence against a child. Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 if the report is made in good faith: . The report will not breach standards of professional conduct I . The report can't lead to defamation proceedings The report is not admissible in any proceedings as evidence against the person who made the report A person cannot be compelled by a court to provide the report or disclose its contents . The identity of the person making the report is protected A report is also an exempt document under the Freedom of Information Act 1989. Breach of Child Protection Policy All educators and staff members working with children have a duty of care to support and protect children. A duty of care is breached if a person:The identity of the person making the report is protected A report is also an exempt document under the Freedom of Information Act 1989. Breach of Child Protection Policy All educators and staff members working with children have a duty of care to support and protect children. A duty of care is breached if a person: Does something that a reasonable person in that person's position would not do in a particular situation Fails to do something that a reasonable person in that person's position would do in the circumstances Acts or fails to act in a way that causes harm to someone the person owes a duty of care. Managing a Breach in Child Protection Policy Management will investigate the breaches in a fair, unbiased and supportive manner by: Discussing the breach with all people concerned will be advised of the process I Giving the educator the opportunity to provide their version of events Documenting the details of the breach, including the versions of all parties and the outcome will be recorded Ensuring the matters in relation to the breach are kept confidential . Approaching an appropriate outcome which will be decided based on evidence and discussionOutcome of A Breach in Child Protection Policy Depending on the nature of the breach outcomes may include: Emphasising the relevant element of the child protection policy and procedure Providing closer supervision . Further education and training . Facilitating between those involved in the incident (where appropriate) Disciplinary procedures if required Reviewing current policies and procedures and developing new policies and procedures if necessary H Educating Children About Protective Behaviour Our program will educate children: About acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and what is appropriate and inappropriate contact at an age appropriate level and understanding About their right to feel safe at all times . To say 'no 'or "stop, I don't like it!" to anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable . About how to use their own knowledge and understanding to feel safe To identify signs that they do not feel safe and need to be attentive and think clearly . That there is no secret or story that is too awful, or story too horrific, that they cannot share with someone they trustThat there is no secret or story that is too awful, or story too horrific, that they cannot share with someone they trust If another adult tells them a secret that is about their own body, they are allowed to tell us about it even if that adult said not to . That educators are available for them if they have any concerns . To tell educators of any suspicious activities or people To recognise and express their feelings verbally and non-verbally . Their feelings are valid, and they are able to make a choice to change the way they feel That their body belongs to them, they don't have to hug or touch anyone else in a way they feel uncomfortable with. For example, children should not be forced to cuddle you or other adults at hello and goodbye. If a child declines an invitation for a hug you can offer a "high-five" instead or simply say "that's okay, I don't need a hug to know we are friends" NOTE: Changing a child's nappy according to the Services policies and procedures is not considered a breach of their personal boundaries. Respect for the child must be upheld at all times . Permission form parents/guardians may be acquired before using books and media discussing this topicSources Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014). Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law . Education and Care Services National Regulations 2015, . ECA Code of Ethics. Guide to the National Quality Standard. Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 The Ombudsman's Act 1974 H . Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference (2005). Creating safe environments for children Organisations, employees and volunteers: National framework. Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference (2005). Schedule: Guidelines for building the capacity of child- safe organisations. Creating safe environments for children: Organisations, employees and volunteers: National framework. NSW Community Services: NSW Mandatory Reporting Guide . The Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference (2005). Creating safe environments for children: Organisations, employees and volunteers: National framework. Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference (2005). Schedule: Guidelines for building the capacity of child- safe organisations. Creating safe environments for children: Organisations, employees and volunteers: National framework. NSW Community Services: NSW Mandatory Reporting Guide The Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 . Early Years Learning Framework . National Quality Standard. Ombudsman NSW www.ombo.nsw.gov.au https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/mandatory-reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect National Comparison of Child Protection Systems https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publicationsational-comparison-child-protection-systems Reporting abuse and neglect https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/reporting-abuse-and-neglect NSW Government - Office of the Children's Guardian https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/about-us/who-we- are/our-legislation/legislative-changes/summary-2016 . Child Story Reporter https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s I Review The policy will be reviewed every 6 months by all stakeholders. Date Reviewed Modifications Next Policy Review Date April 2017 Policy Created October 2017 October 2017 Updated to meet the National Law and/or National April 2018 Regulations in respect of a serious incidents and /oroncy Review Date April 2017 Policy Created October 2017 October 2017 Updated to meet the National Law and/or National April 2018 Regulations in respect of a serious incidents and /or allegations of sexual abuse and notification purposes. June 2018 Updated with new NOF December 2018 September 2019 Updated phone number child protective overview reporting January 2020 January 2020 Reviewed June 2020 January 2021 February 2021 Updated legislative changes" Office of the Children's January 2022 Guardian January 2022 No changes made January 2023 H June 2022 No changes made June 2023 May 2023 No changes madeUpdated regs table January 2025 January 2024Child Protection Reporting Overview NOTIFICATIONS OF ABUSE DISCUSS YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE SERVICE DIRECTOR/NOMINATED SUPERVISOR OR AN APPROVED PROVIDER TO ASSIST YOU IN MAKING DECISIONS WHEN A MANDATORY REPORTER HAS REASONABLE SUSPICION, A CHILD IS AT RISK OF SIGNIFICANT HARM THEY NEED TO: COMPLETE THE MANDATORY REPORTERS GUIDE (MRG) AT HTTPS://REPORTER.CHILDSTORY.NSW.GOV.AU/S/MRG OR CONTACT THE CHILD PROTECTION HELPLINE ON 132 111 (24 HOURS, 7 DAYS) WHEN OTHER PEOPLE HAVE A REASONABLE SUSPICION OF ABUSE THEY NEED TO CONTACT THE CHILD PROTECTION HELPLINE ON 132 111WHEN OTHER PEOPLE HAVE A REASONABLE SUSPICION OF ABUSE THEY NEED TO CONTACT THE CHILD PROTECTION HELPLINE ON 132 111 WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF ABUSE CONTACT THE POLICE ON 000 CONSULT OUR CHILD PROTECTION POLICY FOR MORE INFORMATION.Appendix A Indicators of Abuse There are many indicators of harm to children. Behavioral or physical signs which assist in recognising harm to children are known as indicators. The following is a guide only. One indicator on its own may not imply abuse or neglect. However, a single indicator can be as important as the presence of several indicators. Each indicator needs to be considered in the context of other indicators and the child's circumstances. A child's behaviour is likely to be affected if he/she is under stress. There can be many causes of stress and it is important to find out specifically what is causing the stress. Abuse and neglect can be single incidents or ongoing and may be intentional or unintentional. General indicators of abuse and neglect Marked delay between injury and seeking medical assistance. History of injury. H The child gives some indication that the injury did not occur as stated. The child tells you someone has hurt him/her. The child tells you about someone he/she knows who has been hurt. . Someone (relative, friend, acquaintance, sibling) tells you that the child may have been abused.Neglect Child neglect is the continued failure by a parent or caregiver to provide a child with the basic things needed for his or her proper growth and development, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care and adequate supervision. Some examples are: Inability to respond emotionally to the child. Child abandonment. Depriving or withholding physical contact. Failure to provide psychological nurturing. . Treating one child differently to the others. Indicators of Neglect in children Poor standard of hygiene leading to social isolation. Scavenging or stealing food. H Extreme longing for adult affection. Lacking a sense of genuine interaction with others. Acute separation anxiety. . Self-comforting behaviours, e.g. rocking, sucking. Delay in development milestones. . Untreated physical problems.Physical Abuse Physical abuse is a non-accidental injury or patter of injuries to a child caused by a parent, caregiver or other person. Educators will be particularly aware of looking for possible physical abuse if parents or caregivers: Make direct admissions from parents about fear of hurting their children. Have a family history of violence. Have a history of their own maltreatment as a child. . Make repeated visits for medical assistance. H Indicators of Physical Abuse in children Facial, head and neck bruising. Lacerations and welts. Explanations are not consistent with injury. Bruising or marks that may show the shape of an object. Bite marks or scratches. Multiple injuries or bruises. Ingestion of poisonous substances, alcohol or drugs. Sprains, twists, dislocations. Bone fractures. Burns and scalds.Indicators of Emotional Abuse in children Emotional abuse occurs when an adult harms a child's development by repeatedly treating and speaking to a child in ways that damage the child's ability to feel and express their feelings. Some examples are: Constant criticism, belittling, teasing of a child or ignoring or withholding praise and affection. Excessive or unreasonable demands. Persistent hostility, severe verbal abuse, rejection and scape-goating. Belief that a particular child is bad or "evil". Using inappropriate physical or social isolation as punishment. . Exposure to domestic violence. Indicators of emotional abuse in children Feeling of worthlessness about them. H . Inability to value others. Lack of trust in people and expectations. . Extreme attention seeking behaviours. Other behavioural disorders (disruptiveness, aggressiveness, bullying). Sexual AbuseSexual abuse is when someone involves a child in a sexual activity by using their power over them or taking advantage of their trust. Often children are bribed or threatened physically and psychologically to make them participate in the activity. Educators will be particularly aware of looking for possible sexual abuse if parents or caregivers are suspected of or charged with child sexual abuse or display inappropriate jealousy regarding age appropriate development of independence from the family. Sexual abuse includes: Exposing the child to sexual behaviours of others. . Coercing the child to engage in sexual behaviour with other children. . Verbal threats of sexual abuse. . Exposing the child to pornography. H Indicators of Sexual Abuse in children They describe sexual acts. . Direct or indirect disclosures. . Age inappropriate behaviour and/or persistent sexual behaviour. Self-destructive behaviour. Regression in development achievements. Child being in contact with a suspected or know perpetrator of sexual assault. . Bleeding from the vagina or anus. Injuries such as tears to the genitalia. Psychological Abuse Psychological harm occurs where the behaviour of the parent or caregiver damages the confidence and self-esteem serious emotional deprivation or trauma. In general, it is the frequency and duration of thisPsychological Abuse Psychological harm occurs where the behaviour of the parent or caregiver damages the confidence and self-esteem of the child, resulting in serious emotional deprivation or trauma. In general, it is the frequency and duration of this behaviour that causes harm. Some examples are: . Excessive criticism. Withholding affection. Exposure to domestic violence. . Intimidation or threatening behaviour. Indicators of psychological abuse in children include: . Constant feelings of worthlessness. H Unable to value others. Lack of trust in people. Lack of people skills necessary for daily functioning. Extreme attention seeking behaviour. . Extremely eager to please or obey adults. Takes extreme risks, is markedly disruptive, bullying or aggressive. Suicide threats. Running away from home. Indicators of Domestic Violence in childrenShow aggressive behaviour. Develop phobias & insomnia. . Experience anxiety. Show systems of depression. Have diminished self-esteem. . Demonstrate poor academic performance and problem solving skills. . Have reduced social competence skills including low levels of empathy. . Show emotional distress. . Have physical complaints.Appendix B Child Protection Agencies The following agencies have responsibilities regarding child protection. Our service will liaise with these services and agencies should child protection become an issue at our service. Child Protection Helpline: Department of Family and Community Services Receive, assess and where appropriate Investigate reports of children who are at risk of significant harm. May plan, conduct and manage Reports in conjunction with other agencies including NSW with Police, the NSW Health. . Exchange relevant information with a range of agencies including NSW Police, NSW Health and the Department of Education and Communities. . Provide, arrange and request care and/or support for children and families. . Inform reporting agencies of the progress and outcomes of assessments and investigations as permitted by law. I Child Wellbeing Unit Child Wellbeing Units have been established in the four government agencies with the largest number of child protection reports. These include the Department of Education and Communities and the Department of Family and Community Services. They can be contacted through the Department's switchboard or visit http://www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/child wellbeing units for more information. Early Childhood Education Directorate, NSW Department of Educationhttp://www.keepthemsate.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/child wellbeing units for more information. Early Childhood Education Directorate, NSW Department of Education Must be notified (within 7 days) of any incident where you reasonably believe that physical and/or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service . Must be notified (within 7 days) of any allegation that sexual or physical abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service. From 1 March 2020, the Reportable Conduct Scheme is operated by the Office of the Children's Guardian under the Children's Guardian Act 2019. The scheme monitors how certain organisations ('relevant entities') investigate and report on types of conduct ('reportable allegations' or 'reportable convictions') made against their employees, volunteers or certain contractors who provide services to children. The scheme will also cover religious bodies, in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. From 1 March 2020, when the head of a 'relevant entity' becomes aware of a reportable allegation or a reportable conviction, the head of that entity must notify the Office of the Children's Guardian within seven business days and conduct an investigation into the allegations. If the final entity report is not ready to submit within 30 calendar days, the head must provide an interim report with information about the progress of the investigation and an expected timeframe for completion. I If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact us on (02) 8219 3800 or at reportableconduct@kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au.Reportable allegations include any sexual offence, or sexual misconduct, committed against, with or in the presence of a child (including a child pornography offence), any assault, ill treatment or neglect of a child, any behaviour that causes psychological harm to a child. Employees include: Any employee of the agency, whether or not employed in connection with any work or activities of the agency that relates to children, and; . Any individual engaged by the agency to provide services to children (including in the capacity as a volunteer) and; . Work experience participants, students on placements, e.g. TAFE, secondary or tertiary students. The Commission for Children and Young People Monitors trends and makes recommendations to government and non-government agencies on legislation, policies, practices and services affecting young children. Has various child protection resources available on-line. . Receives notifications of the outcomes of completed disciplinary proceedings. Childrens' Services Employers must notify the Commission for Children and Young People of details of employees against whom relevant disciplinary proceedings have been completed and or persons whose employment has been rejected because of a risk identified in employment screening processes.Suspected Child at Risk/Disclosure Record Please read the Child Protection Policy before completing this form to ensure it is completed accurately. Please complete this form in consultation with your Nominated Supervisor. Child Name: Date of Report: Child's Room/Group: Disclosure of Harm Suspicion of Harm Description and direct quotes: When did this happen? Date: Time: Where: Were there any witnesses, what were their reactions, what did they do/say? I Are there additional concerns from earlier observations or other Educators? What are these? Date: Name of person(s) completing this Signature(s): form:3. What are three (3) strategies used by the service to minimise the risk of child abuse occurring within the service